By ELLA CARO
Golf carts cannot legally be driven on public roads or bike paths in Walton County, according to a spokesman for the Walton County Sheriff's Office traffic division.?Sgt. Joe Preston said drivers apprehended disobeying this law will be given "moving violation" citations with a fine of $115.50.? He said golf carts cannot be registered or licensed, and may only be used on private roads.
He explained the difference between golf carts and low speed vehicles. The latter, when properly outfitted and insured, may be licensed and driven on public roads, by licensed drivers, where posted speed limits are 35 miles per hour or less. The one exception for golf carts, Preston said, is when the cart is included in a permitted parade like the Fourth of July parade on CR-30A.
The increase in golf carts on public roads is becoming a serious problem in south Walton, Preston said, and is aggravated by real estate developers using them as promotional features for property sales and rentals. Advertising that says "five minutes from the beach by golf cart," and "free golf carts with property purchase" is being used to bolster sales. The sheriff's department has already warned two local developers about their misleading ads, and is preparing to crack down on more.
Golf carts seen parked at beach accesses or other parking lots will be issued a warning. Carts driven within subdivisions which have private roads must have a driver at least 14 years old.
A spokesman for the South Walton Community Council (SWCC) said their growth management committee has made a project of ensuring that golf carts are used safely and within the restrictions of state statutes. The growing number of golf carts on public roads, especially those driven by children, is fast becoming a safety hazard, according to SWCC.
Visitors to the area have complained there isn't enough public education on the subject. SWCC members expressed hopes that cooperation among the sheriff's office, the media, the South Walton Tourist Development Council and the SWCC growth management committee will help prevent accidents involving golf carts and will keep traffic moving on public roads.
Golf carts cannot legally be driven on public roads or bike paths in Walton County, according to a spokesman for the Walton County Sheriff's Office traffic division.?Sgt. Joe Preston said drivers apprehended disobeying this law will be given "moving violation" citations with a fine of $115.50.? He said golf carts cannot be registered or licensed, and may only be used on private roads.
He explained the difference between golf carts and low speed vehicles. The latter, when properly outfitted and insured, may be licensed and driven on public roads, by licensed drivers, where posted speed limits are 35 miles per hour or less. The one exception for golf carts, Preston said, is when the cart is included in a permitted parade like the Fourth of July parade on CR-30A.
The increase in golf carts on public roads is becoming a serious problem in south Walton, Preston said, and is aggravated by real estate developers using them as promotional features for property sales and rentals. Advertising that says "five minutes from the beach by golf cart," and "free golf carts with property purchase" is being used to bolster sales. The sheriff's department has already warned two local developers about their misleading ads, and is preparing to crack down on more.
Golf carts seen parked at beach accesses or other parking lots will be issued a warning. Carts driven within subdivisions which have private roads must have a driver at least 14 years old.
A spokesman for the South Walton Community Council (SWCC) said their growth management committee has made a project of ensuring that golf carts are used safely and within the restrictions of state statutes. The growing number of golf carts on public roads, especially those driven by children, is fast becoming a safety hazard, according to SWCC.
Visitors to the area have complained there isn't enough public education on the subject. SWCC members expressed hopes that cooperation among the sheriff's office, the media, the South Walton Tourist Development Council and the SWCC growth management committee will help prevent accidents involving golf carts and will keep traffic moving on public roads.
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